Lushan County Travel

Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province — a pearl of landscape in southwest Henan, integrating the grandeur and steepness of Yaoshan Mountain, the compassion and solemnity of the Central Plains Giant Buddha, the delicacy and serenity of Huamei Valley, and the warmth and nourishment of Xiatang Hot Spring. A 2-day & 1-night in-depth tour to enjoy the "mountain, Buddha, valley, spring" and experience the collision of natural wonders and Zen culture.

5A
National Scenic Area (Yaoshan)
208m
Height of Central Plains Giant Buddha (World's tallest bronze standing Buddha)
20+
Core Scenic Spots
15+
Specialty Foods and Local Products
Central Plains Giant Buddha and Yaoshan Sea of Clouds Landscape
Central Plains Giant Buddha - World's Tallest Bronze Standing Buddha
The 208-meter-tall bronze Sakyamuni standing Buddha, located at Foquan Temple of Yaoshan Mountain, is resplendent and magnificent, contrasting with the sea of clouds of Yaoshan Mountain. It is a Buddhist cultural holy land integrating prayer, sightseeing and Zen practice.

2-Day & 1-Night Landscape and Zen Tour in Lushan County

Admire the Central Plains Giant Buddha to comprehend compassion, climb to the top of Yaoshan to enjoy the sea of clouds, explore Huamei Valley to play with mountain springs, soak in Xiatang Hot Spring to nourish body and mind, taste Langguo Dish to experience local flavor, and unlock the healing journey of landscape, Buddha and hot spring in southwest Henan

Trip Duration
2 Days & 1 Night
Main Destinations
Central Plains Giant Buddha, Yaoshan Mountain, Huamei Valley, Xiatang Hot Spring, Mozi Ancient Street
Suitable For
Landscape lovers, prayer believers, family with kids, health and leisure seekers
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1200
01
Buddhist Immortal Mountain
Central Plains Giant Buddha · Yaoshan Mountain · Foquan Temple
Itinerary Highlights

Pay homage to the Central Plains Giant Buddha in the morning and feel the solemnity of the world's tallest bronze Buddha; climb Yaoshan Mountain in the afternoon, take the cable car to admire the sea of clouds and pine waves, explore the millennium-old Foquan Temple, and experience the characteristic farm feast at the foot of the mountain in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Central Plains Giant Buddha
The world's tallest bronze standing Buddha, 208 meters high, cast with 108 tons of gold and 3300 tons of copper. The Buddha statue is solemn and kind, sitting on a lotus throne, with supporting landscapes such as memorial archways and prayer walls around. It is a holy land for believers at home and abroad to pray and sightseeing.
Yaoshan Mountain (Shirenshan)
A national 5A-level scenic area, with the main peak Yuhuangding at an altitude of 2153.1 meters, famous for its "wonder, danger, beauty and seclusion". It has landscapes such as Qinglong Back, Hehe Peak and Jiuqu Waterfall. The sea of clouds, sunrise and Buddha's light are the three major wonders. The cable car is 2746 meters long, which can directly reach the halfway up the mountain to enjoy the core scenery.
Foquan Temple
An ancient temple built in the Tang Dynasty, named after the millennium-old hot spring "Foquan" (Buddha Spring) in the temple. It preserves relics such as Tang Dynasty stone inscriptions and ancient Buddha halls, forming a unique pattern of "temple embracing Buddha, Buddha protecting temple" with the Central Plains Giant Buddha. The morning bell and evening drum in the temple are full of Zen meaning.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Yaoshan Hot Spring Resort Hotel
  • Zen Guesthouse in Giant Buddha Scenic Area
  • Farmhouse Inn in Yaoshan Town
Food Recommendations
  • Lushan Langguo Dish
  • Yaoshan Braised Free-range Chicken
  • Lamb Soup
  • Handmade Fried Pancake
Travel Tips
  • Yaoshan Cable Car: ¥80/person (up), ¥60/person (down)
  • Prayer plaques are available in Central Plains Giant Buddha Scenic Area (¥30-100 each)
  • Temperature difference in mountainous areas is large, it is recommended to bring a coat
02
Spiritual Valley & Hot Spring
Huamei Valley · Xiatang Hot Spring · Return
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Huamei Valley in the morning, hike and admire waterfalls along mountain springs and streams; go to Xiatang Town in the afternoon to soak in millennium hot springs to relax and maintain health; visit Mozi Ancient Street in the evening to experience folk customs, purchase local products such as Zhangliang Ginger and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Huamei Valley
A national 4A-level scenic area, named after the frequent habitation of huamei birds (thrush). The canyon has gurgling mountain streams, known as "Six Pools, Nine Waterfalls and Eighteen Bays". The six-fold waterfall with a drop of 130 meters is the core landscape. The average temperature in summer is 23℃, making it a natural oxygen bar for summer escape and water play.
Xiatang Hot Spring
One of the "Three Tangs" (Shangtang, Zhongtang, Xiatang) in Lushan, with a development history of more than 3000 years. The hot spring water temperature is 63℃, rich in fluorine, sulfur and other minerals, known as the "divine spring". There are many hot spring resorts around, where you can experience hot spring soaking, physical therapy and other projects.
Mozi Ancient Street
An antique street with Mozi culture as the theme, restoring the market style of the Warring States Period. It has Mozi Memorial Hall, intangible cultural heritage performance venue, characteristic shops, etc. The night view is bright with lights, where you can watch folk performances and taste snacks from all over the country.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Direct scenic bus from Yaoshan to Huamei Valley (¥20/person)
  • Xiatang Hot Spring is about 30 km from Yaoshan Town, self-driving or chartered car is recommended
  • Mozi Ancient Street is located in the center of Yaoshan Town, accessible on foot
Ticket Information
  • Combined ticket for Central Plains Giant Buddha + Yaoshan: ¥190
  • Huamei Valley: ¥60
  • Xiatang Hot Spring: ¥80-150 (varies by resort)
  • Mozi Ancient Street: Free (some experience projects charge fees)
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes in Huamei Valley, some sections are slippery
  • It is recommended to soak in hot spring for no more than 30 minutes, not on an empty stomach or after drinking
  • There is iron flower performance in Mozi Ancient Street on weekends (20:00-20:30)

Must-Try Foods in Lushan County

Lushan Langguo Dish

The iconic food of Lushan, said to originate in the Ming Dynasty. It is braised in a special large iron pot with pork belly, meatballs, vermicelli, seasonal vegetables and other ingredients. It is spicy and fragrant, with a mix of meat and vegetables. It got its name because mountain villagers used to eat around the pot after working. It is one of the "Top Ten Classic Dishes of Henan".

Yaoshan Braised Free-range Chicken

Selected free-range chickens in Yaoshan Mountain, stewed slowly with mountain mushrooms, corn, etc. The meat is firm, the soup is fresh and delicious, and it is rich in nutrition, reflecting the simple flavor of mountain farmhouses. It is an excellent choice to replenish physical strength after mountain climbing.

Zhangliang Ginger

A national geographical indication product, named after being produced in Zhangliang Town, Lushan County, with a planting history of more than 2000 years. Its ginger pieces are large, filaments are fine, and taste is strong, with both edible and medicinal values, known as the "King of Ginger".

Lushan Silk

A traditional handicraft with a history dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It is woven with local tussah silk using traditional techniques, with tough texture and soft color, known as "Fairy Weaving". It is a famous specialty and souvenir of Lushan.

Lushan County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Azaleas bloom in Yaoshan, Huamei Valley is full of greenery
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Summer escape and water play, Huamei Valley and Yaoshan are cool resorts
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Red leaves cover Yaoshan, sea of clouds landscape occurs frequently
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Skiing in Yaoshan, hot spring health preservation, experience extreme cold and heat
Must-Try Foods
  • Lushan Langguo Dish (Laochenmen Restaurant)
  • Yaoshan Braised Free-range Chicken
  • Lamb Soup
  • Zhangliang Ginger Candy
  • Handmade Fried Pancake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥330
  • Accommodation: ¥200-500/night (hot spring hotels are slightly higher)
  • Catering: ¥80-150/day
  • Transportation: ¥150-300 (including scenic transportation and short-distance fare)
  • Total: ¥600-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to climb Yaoshan? → About 5-6 hours for full hiking, 3 hours for cable car + hiking
  • Can I hug the Buddha's feet at Central Plains Giant Buddha? → Buddha's foot hugging experience is available (additional ¥50)
  • Is Xiatang Hot Spring suitable for kids? → Most resorts have children's pools, suitable for parent-child travel
  • Best time to buy Zhangliang Ginger? → Best quality during autumn harvest (Oct-Nov)

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Pingdingshan City

Xinhua District
Weidong District
Shilong District
Zhanhe District
Baofeng County
Ye County
Lushan County
Jia County
Wugang City
Ruzhou City